Filmmaker Prakash Jha has never shied away from controversial subjects – and no matter how much India’s schedule castes panel and Dalit organisations protest, he’s proud of being the man behind Aarakshan Why make a film about caste-based reservations? I love to study what’s going on in our society; what changes certain social issues bring about. I’m fascinated by how we think and move as a people. Reality is the greatest story in progress. This is a story about the youth - young India or rather aspirant India. The issue forms the backdrop where the story of a family – and that of a character who believes in education and opportunities for all - unravels. It is the story of a guru and his disciples. Amitabh Bachchan plays Principal Prabhakar Anand, Deepika Padukone, his daughter, and Saif Ali Khan a Dalit. It’s about how the issue of caste-based discrimination and reservation creates deep problems in their relationships and what finally brings them together.
What makes Amitabh Bachchan right for Aarakshan’s lead?

While casting Amitabh Bachchan I did not have to think much he was the only person who came to mind for this character. Seven years ago, I narrated the story to him, but then I got busy with older projects. But he’s always been the one for this role. What did you think of Khan and Padukone’s work? Deepika is very proficient and professional. And she’s a beautiful woman. The honesty and the innocence that comes forth from her eyes and her face are very important for the character she plays. I was not disappointed with her – she came very well prepared and has done a wonderful job.

Saif was surprised when I offered him the role in Aarakshan and I was surprised when he accepted it. I never expected him to play it as convincingly as he has. A socio-economic thriller might not sound as exciting to the audience as a political thriller – are you apprehensive about Aarakshan’s fate, especially since Raajneeti set such a high bar? I’m always anxious. I’m scared about whether it will succeed and whether it will communicate the issue to the audience. That’s what’s most important: whether the audience feels the issue, whether they feel one with it and identify with it. It’s a constant worry and challenge. I’m very fortunate that people do eventually come and see my movies. Having a good story is what matters.

How did you handle all the opposition you faced during the making of this film? Oh, there were people who wrote constantly to me, who did not support reservation and were apprehensive about what I was going to say. Then there were those who supported it. During the shooting the only trouble that we had was Dalit organisations who were unhappy with a Nawab being cast as a Dalit. Now some commission is worried that they might not be represented properly. All kinds of things are happening and I’m very politely telling everybody to wait for the film to come out and then it’ll probably be more fair for them to comment.

Your films always ruffle a few feathers – is it intentional? After all, it’s good publicity. I do not mean to upset anybody. But I need to show what I see as the truth and understand as the facts. I need to present the equation the way I see it. With all humility and politeness, I will continue to listen to everyone, but that’s the best I can do. So where do you stand on the subject of unrestricted creative and cinematic freedom?

Nothing should be unrestricted. Self-morality should dictate content; you should yourself be concerned with the validity of the arguments you are making. But we have a system; the censor board governs content of public screenings and it’s good that they look into it because it prevents individuals and organisations from having a valid reason for demanding pre-screenings of the film. That will result in total chaos. You specialise in serious dramas, any plans to try your hand at another genre? This is a genre I’m definitely comfortable with. But I enjoy watching comedies or movies based on relationships. And I love reading biographies. So one day if the opportunity to do something different presents itself, why not?